CB West edged in OT by Pennsbury in District 1-AAA semis

NEWTOWN — Central Bucks West’s defense withstood one Pennsbury surge after another, with Bucks keeper Grace Bendon making memorable, outstanding saves to keep the game scoreless heading into overtime.

But with 10 minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the first OT, the Falcons’ consistent pressure resulted in a goal by offensive leader Jadyn Peto, giving the top-seeded Falcons a 1-0 victory over No. 13 West in the District One Class AAA Semifinals Thursday night at Council Rock North’s Walt Snyder Stadium.

The win advances Pennsbury to Saturday’s final against CB East, slated for 8 p.m., back at North. West will take on CR South in the third-place game, scheduled for 6 p.m. at North.

“I thought this was probably our best showing,’ said Bucks coach Jorge Rodriguez, whose team is already assured a spot in states. “We’re not necessarily a team that’s going to out-possess somebody else but we have some gritty, tough players and we have some good individual players up top.

“I thought our back four were outstanding and I thought this was Grace’s best game all season. Pennsbury is an excellent team. They have technical players, they have physical players, they have athletes, a good goalkeeper — they’re a well-rounded team.’

West’s back four of Carmen Telesco, Mackenzie Carroll, Allie Walsh and Emily Munchak made it more difficult for Pennsbury to get off quality shots throughout the first 85 minutes of play.

But then Peto finally broke through for the Falcons.

“Riley Rudd crossed it from the corner and I just took a touch with my thigh and hit it in, over top of the goalie,’ Peto said. “We came back in the second half mad because we wanted to put one in. We put it together in the second half and overtime and gave even more than the coaches expected.’

The Bucks will aim to lock up the three seed out of District One, taking on Rock South, which battled East to a 0-0 tie at the half before falling 3-0.